In 1996, Martha Weathers Brown had a vision to bring a regional children’s choir to Western North Carolina, believing in the power of music to shape and grow young individuals, and help choristers to develop skills and confidence that will stick with them for life.

Fifteen years later the vision is reality. Voices in the Laurel has grown into an internationally acclaimed choir which has sung by invitation around the world. With a growing reputation for close singing, Voices has sung by invitation in Hawaii; at the Sydney Opera House in Australia; at Charleston’s “Little Spoleto” Festival; in Washington, DC at the National Cathedral; in Denver, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine; St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan: Westminster Abbey in London, Chartres Cathedral in France, Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville, with the Lyric Opera of Asheville, with Ronnie Milsap at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and in Atlanta at the Atlanta Braves games.

Comprised of regional students in grades 1 – 12, Voices in the Laurel focuses on providing young people quality choral education in fun and innovative ways. The Voices in the Laurel staff prides itself on combining classic choral instruction with an extensive assortment of categories of music for a great appreciation of all aspects of choral art. Singers develop their abilities through group practice and public performance. Categories of musical styles vary from gospel and hymns to jazz, international, Celtic, and traditional folk music.

Voices in the Laurel pairs an open-door policy with one of the lowest choir tuition costs in the U.S. Fully one-fourth of choristers receive scholarships to fund tuition and/or financial aid for covering the costs of sheet music, supplies, and uniforms. Voices depends on sponsors and support from small businesses and individuals. For information on donating to help a student, giving financial or in-kind contributions, or to refer potential singers, call (828)335-2849 or visit the website at www.voicesinthelaurel.org Auditions for the 2011-2012 season are Tuesday, May 24, and 31, and June 7, 5 to 7 p.m. Call (828)734-8413 for an audition appointment.